Hometown Hero Honored in Bristol

L to R; Representative Whit Betts, Representative Mike Nicastro, Tim Gamache, 2013 Hometown Hero receiving his citation from Senator Jason Welch at a ceremony in Bristol.

Hartford, CT – State Senator Jason Welch (R-Bristol) recently joined fellow legislators to congratulate the Bristol Mum Festival’s 2013 Hometown Hero Tim Gamache. Gamache, a 65-year-old retired plumber, served in a U.S. Navy construction battalion as a “Seabee.” During his two years as a Seabee, Gamache was instrumental in building bases, bulldozing and paving thousands of miles of roadway, airstrips and accomplishing a number of other construction projects. Gamache also fought during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. From 1980 to 1997, he was a drill sergeant with the U.S. Army Reserve. He is a chairman of the Bristol Veterans Council and a longtime member of the city’s various veterans organizations. Gamache lead the 2013 Mum Festival Parade marshal.

Award recipients must be community service oriented to both the country and Bristol. The winner must also have committed an act of bravery or put others before him or herself. Additionally, winners must reside in Bristol and must be nominated by the community.

The original festival was called the Bristol Fall Festival. It was started in July of 1962, members of the Chamber of Commerce and City of Bristol officials completed a six day long schedule of events aimed at featuring the many positive factors in Bristol. A year later the festival name changed to Bristol Chrysanthemum Festival. Events will continue through October. For a schedule visit BristolMumFestival.org.